Wells King is an African American abstract artist based in Reston, Virginia. She has been drawing since she was able to hold a pencil, studying visual and performing arts throughout childhood. She attended the Pamplin School of Business at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University while developing her artistic skills informally.
After making a conscious choice to heal from the abuse she experienced as a result of domestic violence, she fully immersed herself in her creativity using it as part of her healing process. It was during this time King began segueing into art professionally. Her work uses a combination of color, texture, and movement to process and explore the world around her and the emotions which arise from her experiences. Tapping into the unrestricted expressive freedom that is often unavailable to an African American woman, King creates vaporous, expansive fields of bold colors using inks and acrylics on gessobord panels. Her paintings are a window into her healing journey through self-discovery and acceptance.
The daughter of Army officers, King spent the first years of her life in Wurzburg, Germany. She is a consultant for the federal government and worked at the Pentagon under the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy, where President Obama caught a glimpse of her designs. She dined with the ambassador of Bulgaria, rode in an MV-22 Osprey with the 32nd U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, and performed at The Kennedy Center at the age of twelve. She enjoys photography, traveling, and music, which she incorporates into her artistic practice.
WELLS KING ON
Firmament, 2021
Acrylic, Mixed Media and Graphite on Gessoboard Panel
30” x 24”
Phoenix Rising, 2022
Acrylic, Mixed Media, and Ink on Gessoboard panel 36” x 24”
My intention is to explore themes around healing, freedom, triumph, and overcoming adversity in my work. When I sit down to create, I approach it as a transmutative, alchemical process. I explore unpleasant, uncomfortable events and transform them into something positive and beautiful. Usually I start painting visual representations of an emotion I am feeling, as a result of an event I have experienced or observed. My personal trauma and my identity as an African American woman influence and inform my artwork. I have had to make myself small and water myself down in order to assimilate and peacefully coexist in America. As a result, I express my creativity unreservedly in my work. I use bold colors and occupy space on the canvas, conveying a sense of movement and freedom. I paint with acrylics and inks on gesso-board panels to eliminate any unintended texture and let the color flow, unobstructed. My paintings are the most authentic reflection of my essence. Even though my art originates from trauma, my sincere intention is to inspire healing and positivity, not only for myself, but also for those viewing it.
ORIGINAL WELLS KING ARTWORKS ON
For inquiries, sales@agora-gallery.com
